"In April and May of 1751, Handel is said to have led performances in London of "Messiah" using treble voices from the Chapel Royal for choruses and arias. Here, Edward Higginbottom does the same thing and renders the choruses robust, bright, almost vibrant with a new frisson. Iestyn Davis' capable countertenor is a key here, yes, but it's really the ensemble brilliance that makes "Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates" and "And the Glory of the Lord" rattle your memory for days after your first hearing." -CNN